HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.12.2001• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 12, 2001
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Getty, Jordan, Krizek, Gronen, Berry.
Members absent: Anders, Murphy.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Anders, Murphy. Motion carried.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, reported that she and Mayor Rooff met with General
Fund Department Heads today to find additional savings, which will reduce the proposed $18.08
levy. They also met with school officials concerning the DARE program, and the school district
will commit additional funding and other savings were found which will reduce the Police
Department budget $175,000.00. Ms. Weidner reported the following additional savings:
$60,000.00 reduction from the Fire Department, possibility of using the council's hotel/motel
discretionary funds for the Community Band, and $50,000.00 change to the Building
Department's budget. Ms. Weidner reported that Mayor Rooff is recommending a levy of
$17.47, which is a 5.9 percent increase in tax askings.
Councilperson Getty stated he noticed that $520,000 for sale of city -owned property has been
budgeted as revenue. Councilperson Jordan stated he feels that is a short-term solution.
Councilperson Getty questioned $50,000 Community Development funds being used to fund
new police and fire programs. Police Chief Tom Jennings stated that this is a new program for a
resource officer for neighborhoods and the Brownfield area, which would fund one existing
police officer. Fire Chief Frank Magsamen stated that the money will be used to fund the
Juvenile Fire Intervention Program and Home Safety Audit Program using existing personnel.
Councilperson Getty stated he has a problem using Community Development funds for public
safety.
Councilperson Krizek asked if the reduction in the Library budget will reduce hours. Ms.
Weidner stated that in a meeting with the Library Director she indicated that the Library might
have to shorten hours and be closed on Sundays. Councilperson Krizek commented that she
thought that the Library Levy was passed by the citizens to have the Library open on Sundays
and help with accreditation.
Councilperson Krizek asked what impact reduction of Leisure Services staff would have on
Leisure Services programs. Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, stated that the proposed
budget would eliminate two Park Maintenance I positions and one Park Maintenance II position,
which will impact maintenance and construction in the parks. Mr. Huting reported that they may
have to pull people from specialized areas to do mowing. Mr. Huting stated that the proposed
reductions in the Sports Program could eliminate the Adult Basketball Program, and the Mayor's
Olympikids Afterschool Program. Mr. Huting stated that there is a possibility of reducing the
maintenance level at Young Arena which will impact the overall look of Young Arena.
Councilperson Jordan asked if they have investigated the use of volunteers for these programs.
Mr. Huting stated that Leisure Services currently uses thousands of volunteer hours for the
programs. Mr. Huting stated that the problem with cutting staff is at some point revenues are
reduced. Mr. Huting stated that there has been discussion as to whether the city will continue to
maintain two swimming pools, and if we eliminate too many programs, we not only cut expenses
but also revenues. Mr. Huting stated they will do everything they can to keep the pools open.
Councilperson Berry asked if the 5.9 percent increase includes reduction of personnel. Ms.
Weidner stated that personnel will probably be reduced as most Department Heads have said
they have nothing left to cut from their budgets. Ms. Weidner reported that the Human Rights
Commission's proposed budget would eliminate one existing position and a new proposed
position would be cut from the budget, and the Library could be reduced by 21/2 positions.
Council Work Session
March 12, 2001
Page 2
Ms. Weidner reported that they are also considering refinancing the existing John Deere lease
payments with bonds which would reduce the debt service.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Krizek, secondedbyJordan
that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:54 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Anders, Murphy.Motion
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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